In mid-1980s San Francisco, any and every unusual mark – every blemish on your body – was cause for concern. This was the reality for scores of people worrying whether they had been exposed to AIDS and were seeing the lesions of AIDS-related Kaposi’s sarcoma.
Test, the multiple award-winning second feature of writer-director Chris Mason Johnson (The New Twenty), explores this frequently harrowing time. Featuring dazzling original choreography by Sidra Bell, the story is set in the dance world at the height of the first wave of the AIDS outbreak.
“Most of the depictions of the early AIDS crisis have focused on out gay men who were older (30 and up) than my protagonists,” Johnson has written about the film. “I felt the time was right for a different story: of very young, isolated, frightened men who were part of a gay, yet tacitly closeted, dance culture and who suffered those early years in silence.”
Now out on DVD, Test is an insightful and dramatically engaging way to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, while being reminded not only of how far we’ve come, but also of the importance of continued vigilance.
“In the early years of the AIDS epidemic, it remained unclear what caused the disease or how it was transmitted,” the film’s opening reminds us. “By 1985 the virus causing AIDS was identified and the first blood test developed.”
We’re introduced to Frankie, a young dancer who’s an understudy with a new dance company, where he meets Todd, a more experienced dancer in every sense of the word. Rugged, brawny, street-wise, cynical — and not above “hustling” now and then to pay the rent. The idea astounds the more naïve lad at first.
“You have a totally hot body,” Todd tells Frankie early on.
“You think?” Frankie retorts defensively. “Maybe I should sell it and make a little extra cash — no wait! Only a fucking moron would do that!”
All the same, he begins to feel an odd admiration for this enigmatic dance veteran, and a friendship between them develops that eventually (and at times begrudgingly) grows into mutual attraction. As their relationship deepens, both understand only too well that they, and practically everyone they know, are navigating a world of risk, and although news of the new test brings much-needed hope, it also brings out all the trepidation and uncertainties that caused many to worry about whether the information or a positive outcome might be used against them.
“If you had it and they found out, they could do something with the information — couldn’t they?” Frankie frets, “Like a quarantine or put your name on some list?”
As suspicion turns to admiration, though, resistances are lowered and deeper feelings shared, like when the pair finally open up and talk candidly about the relentless nihilism that seems to surround them.
“You know what scares me most about … I can’t say it …” Frankie breaks off, allowing Todd to finish the thought for him: “If you get sick, that’s how your family finds out — you come out by dying!”
Transporting viewers back to the decade of Sony Walkmans, music videos and Betamax, Johnson brilliantly captures the emotional “temperature” of the time and place he’s recreating. He is aided by director of photography Daniel Marks, whose shots make terrific use of the dynamic and picturesque city of San Francisco. The beauty of the surroundings here belied the deadly serious situation that many faced. This was an era when even the simplest and most mundane of encounters gave rise to flashes of overreaction, mistrust and self-doubt.
But it’s in smaller, subtler reactionary moments like these that the larger picture of the times is effectively conveyed.
“You can’t get it from sweat … can you?” Frankie asks after one female member of the dance troupe (apprehensive about Todd’s open and random sexual practices) requests that he wear a sweatshirt to avoid coming into contact with his sweat when they dance together. Soon after, he hears that another member of their troupe won’t patronize restaurants in the city’s famed Castro District, fearing that AIDS can be spread through food. Then, traveling on a bus, Frankie spies someone reading a local paper with a headline reading: “Should Gays Be Quarantined?”
Johnson also touches on the rash and desperate actions that some within the community took in the face of the growing pandemic. Take for example Frankie’s roommate Tyler: Although it’s obvious that he’s attracted to his young housemate, he nonetheless takes up with a girlfriend in the vain belief that engaging in hetero sex will keep him safe.
“Even though he knows better, it all feels like a punishment” for Frankie, notes Johnson. When peers like Tyler step back into the closet and pull the door shut, Johnson said, it’s hard for him to know what to do.
After what seems like weeks of waiting in the wings, our boy is at last given the chance to go on and afterward, he and Todd head off to a local club to celebrate. There Frankie meets and hooks up with Walt, which (he’ll quickly learn) puts him directly at risk for infection. At that time, it took a full two weeks until the results of the then-new blood test were available. The montage showing this lengthy waiting period are bound to be painfully identifiable even today.
Not everything here is darkness and panic however; this was also a luminous world of youth, art, beauty, music and ready eroticism, where at the local dance clubs, the slightest chance encounter held the promise of meeting “Mr. Right” (even if he was just “Mr. Right Now”).
Likewise, Test also works as a first-rate backstage story. In fact, in many ways, one might consider this a gay man’s answer, or at least tribute, to films of the decade like Flashdance and Staying Alive. This is again thanks to both Johnson and Marks’ proficiency at capturing the many sumptuous dance sequences — capturing the motion of the dancers through correspondingly fluid movements of the camera.
The film boasts a classic ’80s soundtrack, and even the closing credits are lively, featuring additional dance segments covered by Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy.” Other artists featured on the razor-sharp soundtrack include Laurie Anderson, Romeo Void and Cocteau Twins. There’s a certain poignancy in hearing disco superstar Sylvester, one of the first big music personalities to succumb to AIDS, played in the background of one scene via his hit “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real).”
Boyishly handsome Scott Marlowe plays Frankie, and there’s a lot riding on his performance because he’s the figure through whose eyes and experiences the story is told. He is immediately likeable — and completely empathetic — in the role. Marlowe is lean, lithe and athletic, and there are plenty of opportunities to show off his tight physique.
Matthew Risch (perhaps best known from HBO’s Looking) is Todd, and he does an excellent job as the cool, attractive, sardonic guy we all wanted to impress back in our high school and college days.
Equally refreshing is the strong underlying message about the continued vital importance of safe-sex practices and caution — even in these times, when medicines like Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) are available. When our heroes ultimately do get together, they wonder about the advice they’ve been hearing involving this thing called “safe sex,” which advocates using condoms to protect themselves. Although each sheepishly confesses to having gone out and gotten some, neither will admit to actually using them — yet.
At first they joke — laughing at the very idea. But understanding the newfound importance of protection, they get past it all and use one.
“My God, these things are going to end sex forever!” Frankie initially says, more than a touch incredulous. Subsequently, he muses, “I wonder if there’s gonna be, like, this wave of monogamy because of all this.” (These were, after all, very different times!)
“Well, that’s one way to be sure, right?” Todd replies, to which he concludes, “It just seems so … unnatural though — just being with one person. It’s like this massive unnatural challenge … like a test!”
Presented by Serious Productions, in association with Gloss, Test is now available on DVD, and it can be ordered at WolfeVideo.com. Bonus features include deleted scenes, Kickstarter video, a featurette on the original chorography and the theatrical trailer. The film is also available on V.O.D. from WolfeOnDemand.com and all major digital platforms. For more information, check out http://www.testthefilm.com."
WhistlePig and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Wind Tunnel-Trialed Whiskey Is a Ryed You Don’t Want to Miss
SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.
The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.
Like Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s signature C43 racing vehicles, trial barrels were tested in the team’s wind tunnel in Switzerland before hitting the track. Select barrels then endured varying levels of G-Forces at the WhistlePig farm and distillery for the finishing touch, accelerating the interaction between the whiskey and the wood, staying true to the physical nature of Formula 1.
“Partnering with WhistlePig has been a very exciting experience. Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake is dedicated to being the best on the track, and the crew at WhistlePig is fearless in their pursuit to create the best whiskey out there,” said Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “We’re really looking forward to fans tasting our custom Rye Whiskey and raising a glass to the rookies, veterans, legends and the exhilarating sport of F1.”
"Joining forces with WhistlePig to release a Single Barrel Rye Whiskey that represents my culture and team has been an honor,” said Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake’s driver. “Formula 1 brings together fearless, thrill-seeking motorsports professionals, and WhistlePig has a shared passion for boundary-pushing innovation. Together, we’ve selected something alarmingly good for fans to enjoy this season when the cars are not on track.”
The Limited Edition Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel will be available for purchase online starting around September 13 for $49.99 MSRP per 750ml bottle and sold in select stores across the U.S. Consumers can win VIP merchandise by scanning the QR code on the back of each bottle.
"We're taking our third Legends Series release on a ryed like never before,” said Meghan Ireland, WhistlePig Head Blender. "Our experiments with dynamic aging went full throttle during finishing trials at the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake wind tunnel, in turn inspiring new ways to expose barrels to G-forces back at the WhistlePig Farm. The herbal and floral notes of the lychee and tea barrel selected with the team create a new, podium-topping experience for PiggyBack Rye."
Fans and collectors have followed WhistlePig PiggyBack Legends Series, celebrating those who give 100% in the name of greatness, since its launch in March 2022 with Major League Baseball Hall of Famer, David Ortiz (“Big Papi”), followed by Country Music Duo Brothers Osborne in November 2022.
To learn more about WhistlePig Whiskey, visit whistlepigwhiskey.com. You can also check out WhistlePig Whiskey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About WhistlePig Whiskey
Located off the grid on a 500-acre Vermont farm, WhistlePig Whiskey is crafted by a new generation of whiskey distillers and blenders driven to reinvent and unlock the flavor of Rye whiskey. Through their rebellious pursuit of experimenting and pushing boundaries in the industry, WhistlePig has become the leading independent craft whiskey brand for innovation. WhistlePig is committed to becoming the best whiskey on and for the planet, starting with its locally sourced ingredients and sustainable supply chain and distilling process. For more information, head to whistlepigwhiskey.com.
Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz
When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.
I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.
If you don’t have a primary care physician who specializes in LGBTQ+ care in your community, you may need to educate yourself (and your provider). But, before you seek such therapy, here are five things you should know!
- Monitor closely. At Spectrum Medical Care Center, we screen patients for certain risks before starting anyone on hormones. We frequently monitor patients in the first year to ensure there are no adverse reactions and lab results are within safe ranges. Follow-up care is also important to assess your comfort with the transition as well as the social impact and social support you’re experiencing.
- Some changes are permanent, some temporary. For transmasculine individuals going on testosterone, they’ll experience these permanent changes: deepened voice, clitoral enlargement (also known as bottom growth), more body, facial hair, and male pattern baldness. Reversible changes include cessation of menses, increased muscle mass and strength, body fat redistribution, and skin oiliness or acne. For those going on estrogen therapy, the most permanent change is breast growth. Feminizing hormone therapy can also cause atrophy (shrinkage) of the genitals and loss of erectile function that may not be reversible. Estrogen will thin body hair, soften the skin, can increase scalp hair, and decrease muscle mass and strength, all of which are reversible.
- You can’t pick and choose results. Unfortunately, you can’t pick and choose the physical changes you want, which may feel challenging. Some of my patients will say, ‘Okay, ‘I’ve seen the permanent changes I want, and I don’t want it to go any further,’ and so at that point, we stop therapy. Low-dose hormone therapy can slow down the rate of changes, allowing for a more gradual physical transition. We counsel patients in advance about the common changes, and it’s up to the individual as to when they’d like to scale back and determine whether some benefits are worth the potential risks.
- Be aware of risks. Like any medical treatment, there are potential risks involved. Some risks with testosterone therapy include increased red blood cell mass, acne, hypertension, sleep apnea, weight gain, and dyslipidemia (increases the chance of clogged arteries). Cardiovascular disease is likely increased with additional risk factors for testosterone and estrogen therapy. Transfeminine patients going on estrogen therapy may experience weight gain, thromboembolic disease (when a blood clot breaks off and blocks another blood vessel), and a high level of triglycerides in the blood.
Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area
Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!
Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.
"Our entire team is honored to be named Best of the Best. To be the only gay men's resort recognized in the Top 1% is incredibly humbling," said Kent Taylor, General Manager at Descanso. "We appreciate Tripadvisor and we're grateful to all our guests who gave us such high marks and reviews to help us reach this achievement."
“Ranking among the Best of the Best demonstrates that you have provided exemplary experiences to those who maZer most: your guests,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “With changing expectations, continued labor shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am con6nually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”
Santiago Resort was once again honored by Tripadvisor with a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award, placing it among the top 10% of travelers’ top reviewed des6na6ons. Twin Palms will become eligible for ranking in 2024.
Check out all the reviews, and discover more about Descanso Resort on Tripadvisor here. We have an excellent library of resort imagery available to accompany editorial and additional resources on our press page. Please contact Descanso Resort’s General Manager, Kent Taylor, at kent@descansoresort.com for further information.
About Descanso Resort
Inspired by Palm Springs’ history as a des6na6on for Hollywood stars to unwind in privacy, Descanso offers guests a casual yet modern take on the legendary style of that 6me. Created by the same hospitality team that revitalized Palm Springs’ much-loved San6ago Resort and recently launched the all-new Twin Palms Resort, the Descanso property opened in 2022 featuring 15 spacious guest rooms with custom-designed furniture, dreamy King-size beds, and luxe details. Ameni6es include continental breakfast, poolside lunch, welcome snack basket, and lots of special touches. For guests who need to stay connected, the entire property is equipped with blazing-fast Wi-Fi. Mul6-speed bikes are available for exploring the surrounding midcentury neighborhoods and public art installations. Like the Hollywood stars before them, guests at Descanso are encouraged to unwind, relax, and rest in style.
About Tripadvisor
Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before. With more than 1 billion reviews and opinions of nearly 8 million businesses, travelers turn to Tripadvisor to find deals on accommodations, book experiences, reserve tables at delicious restaurants and discover great places nearby.